Today we’d like to introduce you to George Shipperley

George, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My interest began at East High School. Aurora. Illinois at the age of sixteen. After moving from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to
Aurora. Having not done well at two previous years in Sault Ste. Marie and foolishly skipping school numerous times I had no idea what classes I could take to
Insure graduating on schedule, My best friend Art Sullens whose family I was living with told me to take ART CLASSES because nobody ever flunks art. That’s how I discovered my talent and ability to draw and paint thanks to my art teachers who recognized my talent as crude as it was. Although having received a small scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago, which was a credited college at the time I never attended. Instead I enlisted in the US ARMY for three years, knowing I’d be drafted if I didn’t, During my enlistment my wife Lois and I happily married and moved to
Germany for the remainder of my enlistment. We later had three wonderful
Daughters, Lori, Lynn and Leanne who always encouraged me to pursue a painting career. Marriage and children obviously became my number one priority but never stopped me from painting and aspirations of becoming a professional artist by entering Art Fairs , Competitions and life drawing sessions at the Art Institute and Palette and Chisel in Chicago.and meeting my life long friend Marianne Grunwald Scoggin. Marianne was a retired art instructor and accomplished artist. who I owe so much to
for believing in me, she taught me the importance of dedication, originality, composition,color harmony, color control., and technical knowledge. Our friendship lasted 30 years until her death. I would not be the artist I am today if it were not for her,

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Success is never a smooth ride. One has to persevere and never give up. That’s how success is achieved.

I had many hurdles to overcome., but
Time was always the biggest challenge. My wife and daughters came first and I welcomed that responsibility, so planning opportune time slots required some sacrifice but it worked out fine.
The other challenge was getting financially able to early retire from 34 yrs, as a district representative with the Michelin Tire Co. After discussing this with my wife Lois, we agreed to take the gamble. I lost half of my retirement, so cutting back expenses as much as possible until eligible for social security was tough for a few years but we succeeded. It’s now 30 years later, painting every day and represented by 4 very reputable galleries. Perseverance!!’

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

As stated previously my contractural responsibility is providing adequate numbers of paintings to four galleries located in Illinois, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
I specialize in oil pastel and oil stick mediums. Mostly do landscapes and still life’s but also figures. street scenes and interiors. Style and color sets me apart from other artists but mostly originality. My works are imaginary and instinctive.

Recently discontinued my classroom teaching and workshops that I truly miss, because I needed more studio time, Since my retirement from teaching many of my
Artist students formed their own Oil
Pastel league called THE YELLOW ARTISTS which now has a membership of approximately 50 active members. They enjoy several exhibitions throughout the year and invite professional artists to conduct workshops and lectures. I am very proud of them,!!!!

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

Success is great but maintaining success is paramount. I don’t think we ever get as good as we aspire to, so we must keep
Learning and practicing our passion daily and never take success for granted. “When you’re green you grow when you’re ripe you rot!! “ Also remaining humble and respectful of other aspiring artists by sharing my knowledge and techniques with others.,

1. Created my own recognizable style and technique that sets me apart from others.
2. Maintaining consistency in quality of work
3. Proper and professional framing. My
Wife Lois is a professional framer who
Owned her own custom frame shop
and art gallery for 34 years.
4. Set set a reasonable price beneficial to
both artist and buyer. Do not inflate
Prices so you can offer discounts. Set your
Required price and justify it
5. If you’re represented by a gallery never
under cut them, you will self destruct.
6. Always stay humble. but confident, If
You’re good the public will recognize
It without you telling them,

Pricing:

• Explained in ESSENTIAL QUALITIES

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Georgeshipperley.com
• Instagram: Georgeshipperley795

Image Credits

Image credits go to Sally Berardi for photographing all images on my website.